High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur is pleased to inform that the Government of India has decided to issue Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card to all people of Indian origin residing in foreign countries.  The decision was taken in accordance with the commitment given by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India earlier last year.

In order to streamline this process, we have discontinued the issuance of new PIO cards and all people of Indian origin residing in foreign countries will now be issued OCI card only.  With the merger of PIO and OCI cards, all applicants can now apply for OCI card online.  The OCI application form is available on website https://passport.gov.in/oci/ .  In addition, you may also see the website of the High Commission of India, Kuala Lumpur (click here) for the list of supporting documents required for verification of OCI cards, as well as frequently asked questions (FAQ) related to OCI card.

The High Commission of India has also clarified to the Government of Malaysia that the Overseas Citizen of India Card does not tantamount to grant of citizenship.  OCI Card is not an Indian passport, but is in the nature of a lifelong visa granting certain privileges in India for People of Indian Origin with respect to social, economic and educational purposes.  The procedure for securing Indian citizenship is an entirely different procedure not related to the OCI card.  We have also clarified this matter to the Malaysian delegation during the recently held Foreign Office Consultations in India on January 20, 2015.

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